BAE Systems Australia and technology incubator Stone & Chalk are fostering innovation within the defence and security sectors with their new “Pathfinder Series” workshops.
The workshops, which will launch in Victoria and South Australia, will convene some of Australia’s most cutting-edge startups and scale-up businesses to jointly explore opportunities and challenges within both sectors and ultimately contribute to advancing defence technologies.
The Pathfinder Series will begin in Adelaide on 23 June, followed by the Melbourne workshop in October.
Over 40 startups and scale-ups will be selected to take part in the program, with particular emphasis on businesses owned by First Nations individuals and veterans.
BAE Systems Australia Head of Industry Development Tom Tizard said the Pathfinder Series is aimed at fostering a vibrant local industry that supports the growth of supply chains, thus bolstering Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities.
Michael Brobley, CEO of Stone & Chalk Group, said the industry collaboration will open doors for businesses across various sectors to contribute to the future of Australian defence and security.
“This initiative marks a significant leap in bridging the gap between the traditional defence sector and the agile world of start-ups, signalling an exciting era for Australian defence innovation,” said Brobley.
“Australia is a treasure trove of innovation, and it’s time we tapped into it,” Tizard said.
For more information about the Pathfinder Series and how to participate, visit stoneandchalk.com.au.
